Mrs. Heely was a retired teacher who taught at Freeburg High School District #177, Belleville District #118, Harmony, Emge, Ellis District #175, and Belleville Area College. She graduated from Millikin University, where she met the love of her life, Bubber. She was a college freshman and he was a returning WWII vet. At Millikin, she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Pi Kappa Delta Honors Society.
Later in her life she was a charter member of the Belleville Junior Women’s Club and First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL, where she served as an usher and elder. She also was an inaugural member of the Pi Beta Phi Belleville Area Alumni Club. Barbara also tirelessly volunteered at the Shelter Shop, Memorial Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and knitted numerous prayer shawls for those in need. She was a cancer survivor of 53 years.
Through their 61 years of marriage, Barb and Dan enjoyed travelling, great friends, and time spent with their family. They were constant attendees at their children and grandchildren’s many events during their years in Belleville and Springfield.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel L. Heely, whom she married on June 30, 1951, and who died on September 7, 2012; her parents; and her sister, Patricia Merideth.
Surviving are two sons, Admiral Timothy Louis, U.S. Navy, Retired, (Cherie) Heely, of Leonardtown, MD,
and Jeffrey Hall (Christen) Heely of Tiburon, CA;
a daughter, Catherine “Cass” Susan (Dr. John Edward) Nester of Springfield, IL;
nine grandchildren, Katherine Grace (Jim) Derenge,
Lieutenant Commander Conor Louis (Erin), Daniel Gardner (fiancé Mallori Prato),
Laura Annin and Sarah Grace Heely,
Catherine Elizabeth (Dr. Evan) Armington,
Dr. William Andrew, Lieutenant Alexander Daniel, and Caroline Louise Nester;
and three great-grandchildren, Finn Louis and Jackson Converse Heely,
and Jack Richings Armington.
Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Condolences Left For Barbara Heely
Tim, Cassie and Jeff…
Always enjoyed your family back in the days at WBT, lots of tennis and swimming. You Mom was a super lady.
Jackie Treesh
Jackie Treesh, Belleville, Illinois, 62223
I remember Miss Hall very well. She was my freshman
English teacher in Freeburg in 1950-51. She was an.
excellent teacher and gave me a love of good literature.
I remember her speaking of Bubber quite often. If my
Memory is correct, that was the year she became Mrs.
Heely. Of all my teachers, she remains one of the best
And most memorable.
Delores (Dolly) Revelle
Excellent teacher and gave me a love of good lit-
erature. I remember her speaking of Bubber quite
Often. If my memory is correct, that was the year she
Became Mrs. Heely. Of all my teachers, she remains
One of the best and most memorable
Dolly Revelle, Freeburg, Illinois, 62243
Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Our family has so many wonderful memories that are intertwined with the Heely family. God bless you all.
Jeff and Linda Uhl, St. Cloud, MN, 56301
My most sincere sympathy on your loss. Barb was a wonderful person, friend and Pi Phi sister. May peace fill the hearts of those left behind.
Nancy and Lew Laughlin, Las Vegas, NV, 89148
It was very saddening to learn of your Mom’s passing. What a wonderful life she led. She and Dan were such a great couple together. A great inspiration to all. The photo of your Mom in the paper captures her great smile and her warm heart to all she met. We regret not being there on Aug. 26th.We were vacationing in CA.Love to all. Carole and Mike Thompson
Carole and Mike Thompson, Belleville, Illinois, 62226